Various Artists - 2024 - Ripples In Time Vol. 2

(73:25; Melodic Revolution Records)






















For those of you who have somehow not yet heard of Melodic Revolution Records, they are an independent label based in the USA who have been releasing music for more than 17 years. They are music fanatics and musicians who aim to deliver music which inspires...music that will stand the test of time, hence the title. This fifteen-track set contains 12 songs from this year’s releases along with three “hidden” bonuses and is designed to show just how vital and important MRR in the current musical landscape.

The set starts with The Gardening Club and the excellent “Mr. Forster Reflects”. In an ideal world Martin Springett would have been recognised as much for his music as his art long before now, but the reissue of his 1983 album in 2017 has finally seen a wider public understand his talent, since when he has been releasing one gem after another. But as well as his Camel/Roy Harper approach we get the out and out modern prog of Overture, the delicate reflection and Floydian tones of Leon Alvarado, the pop of giGO, and then the melancholy and power of the mighty Captain of the Lost Waves. The Captain is another who has only recently started to really get the acclaim he deserves with the incredible ‘Beautiful Ugly’ which will surely be in many reviewers Top Ten at the end of the year (it is certainly in mine). How about a track from the immense debut by Emerald City Council which took many people by storm this year, or Babal, or Ten Jinn, or Colouratura? 

I have reviewed most of the albums featured on this release, but having these tracks all in one place and time is a great reminder of how much wonderful music is out there for those prepared to look. There is no excuse whatsoever for not going over to Bandcamp and downloading this into your collection, as it has been made available totally free of charge! Did I mention it was free? Treat you ears to “music you didn’t know you would love”. 

Kev Rowland, December 2024

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